Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been charged with alleged breaches of the Football Association’s betting rules.
Tonali is currently serving a 10-month global ban for betting offences committed while playing for AC Milan, prior to his move to Tyneside over the summer.
He is now accused of breaching rules in England by allegedly placing 50 bets on matches between August 12 and October 12.
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Tonali was sanctioned in October by the Italian FA (FIGC), a decision that was later ratified by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), the body that oversees all sport in Italy, and UEFA.
The ban meant the Italy international was ruled out for the remainder of this season as well as Euro 2024.
Tonali admitted to using illegal platforms to place bets, including on matches involving his former team Milan during his time in Serie A. He joined Newcastle for £55million in July.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) March 28, 2024
The sanction for such misdemeanours can be up to three years but Tonali, 23, received an element of clemency after co-operating with investigators for the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said in October: “The agreement has been reached for the plea bargain between the FIGC Federal Prosecutor’s Office and Sandro Tonali.
“The sanction for Tonali is 18 months: 10 months disqualification and eight months of alternative actions such as compliance with the rehabilitation plan and at least 16 in-person meetings.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said at the time that the club would “throw their arms” around Tonali and support him after the player’s agent said his client was a “gambling addict”.
A Newcastle statement today said Tonali retained the “club’s full support”.
Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules.
Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club’s full support.
Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and… pic.twitter.com/x62qU4hx5A
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 28, 2024